The 32-year-old has realised a child hood dream by signing for Liverpool seventeen years after he was released by the Anfield outfit as an academy player.

Lambert has been brought in on a two year deal to provide back up for Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge and admits he can’t believe his dream has come true after so long working his way up the footballing ladder.

He told talkSPORT: “I can’t believe it, I’ve loved this club all my life.

“I left here 17 years ago – and I haven’t stopped loving it since. I have always dreamt of playing for Liverpool, but I did kind of think the chance of playing for them had gone. I didn’t think the chance would come.

“I know how big Liverpool are – and it means everything to me – but I know what is important; I know it’s what I do on the pitch and the minutes I play.

Lambert played for the likes of Macclesfield, Stockport, Rochdale and Bristol Rovers before catching the nation’s eye with Southampton, where he scored 117 goals in 235 appearances in all competitions.

The striker completed his medical on Saturday before flying out to Miami with the England squad ahead the World Cup in Brazil.